Driving
World Champion Driver Suzy Stafford prevails as FEI Champion at Live Oak International with TTE Tea Time
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| Suzy Stafford, a National and World Champion Combined Driver, securing the Championship with TTE Tea Time, 9 year old Morgan gelding owned by Wendy O’Brien of Trout Walk Farm Photo credit: Sophie Kalfayan |
Gold medalist Suzy Stafford secured the win on the final day of the Live Oak International Combined Driving Event. Three days of competition had driver Suzy Stafford and TTE Tea Time having to prove themselves and their skills in each phase. The close scores between three of the drivers left for nail biting excitement at each turn. Suzy made history in 2005 when she won the first Individual Gold medal at the World Pony Championships for the United States. She has continued to medal at the World Championships in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2010.
This is TTE Tea Time’s first showing in the FEI division and showed he has what it takes to get the job done. “Trae” is a Morgan owned by Wendy O’Brien and was purchased for Stafford with the goal to compete at the World Championships this year in Pau, France. “Trae” is a natural competitor, he knows when to “turn it on” and that is something you cannot train. I cannot believe the progress “Trae” has made in such a short time“ Stafford says.
Suzy and “Trae” were second in the dressage phase behind Tracey Morgan by one point leaving no room for error on the second day of marathon. Marathon day was challenging and demanded focus and tactful driving as the hazards were long and technical. ““Trae” took the challenge head on and showed me he was ready to be competitive with the rest of the seasoned ponies” Stafford said smiling. When the scores came in Stafford and “Trae” were just off the fastest mark that Paul Maye posted keeping them in second place overall.
Apr 16, 2013, 02:51
Driving
Combined Driver Chester Weber Joins Professional Round Table Discussion at Kentucky Equine Research’s Sport Horse Forum
Known for his support and dedication to equestrian sport across the world, Chester Weber will once again share his knowledge and experience in the world of horses with attendees of the 25th Anniversary Sport Horse Forum, presented by Kentucky Equine Research (KER). The topic of the forum is Advances in Equine Nutrition and Health, and Weber will join an international panel of experts, champion equestrians, and Olympians as they celebrate KER’s 25 years of research and innovation into equine nutrition and examine the evolution of horse sport. The event will take place on March 20, 2013 at 6pm at Live Oak Plantation.
The Forum will feature speakers Joe D. Pagan, Ph.D., founder of Kentucky Equine Research, presenting the topic The Evolution of Sport Horse Feeding: Much More Than Hay, Oats, and Water, and Brendan Furlong, M.V.B, M.R.C.V.S, long time veterinarian for the United States Eventing Team, presenting the topic Significant Changes in Equine Veterinary Practices During the Last Quarter Century. These dissertations will be followed by a Round Table discussion entitled Top Competitors Discuss How Their Disciplines Have Changed Over the Years, featuring panelists John Crandell, international endurance rider; David O’Connor, Olympic Gold medalist and chef d’equipe of the United States Eventing Team; Chester Weber, nine-time United States Equestrian Federation Four-in-Hand Driving National Champion and Individual Silver Medalist at the 2012 World Driving Championships; and moderator Samantha Clark.
Mar 26, 2013, 11:58
Driving
Koos de Ronde is crowned FEI World Cup™ Driving champion 2013 in a thrilling finale
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| Koos de Ronde (NED), the FEI World Cup™ Driving champion 2013, on his way to victory in the series’ Final in Bordeaux (FRA) last night. (Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI) |
Flying Dutchman Koos de Ronde drove two impeccable clear rounds in the thrilling final competition of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in the fully packed arena in Bordeaux (FRA) last night to become the series’ new champion. After four years as the FEI World Cup™ Driving champion, the Australian driver’s dominance has come to an end. He finished second, ahead of IJsbrand Chardon (NED) in third.
Demanding and fast course
The Final on Saturday night was very exciting and the suspense lasted until the very end. International O-course designer Gábor Fintha (HUN) had laid out a very demanding and fast course, which was great to watch for the spectators. It included a technical obstacle and a speed obstacle, inviting the drivers to go fast but to remain careful. It was Fintha’s first FEI World Cup™ Driving Final as a course designer and he was very proud of the opportunity to design a course for the world’s best drivers.
Feb 18, 2013, 02:01
Driving
FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux (FRA) – an exciting finale to a thrilling season
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| Title holder and four-time FEI World Cup™ Driving champion Boyd Exell (AUS) will be aiming for a historic fifth victory in Bordeaux this weekend. (Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI) |
The eyes of the equestrian world will be set on the French city of Bordeaux this weekend for the exciting Final of the FEI World Cup™ Driving 13th season. Six top four-in-hand drivers have qualified for the Final after eight thrilling events and they all have good chances to be crowned the season’s champion. The World Cup points accumulated throughout the season will not be taken into consideration and the drivers will start with a clean sheet.
Title defender Boyd Exell
Title defender and 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 FEI World Cup™ Driving champion, Boyd Exell (AUS), was victorious four times this season, two of which while competing with a wild card. With strong performances at Hannover (GER), Stuttgart (GER), Geneva (SUI) and London-Olympia (GBR), Exell took the lead of the standings just ahead of Dutch drivers IJsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde, both of whom managed to beat Exell once and who are breathing down his neck.
Feb 18, 2013, 01:58
Driving
A double Win for World and National Champion Driver Suzy Stafford at the Nature’s Coast Horse Driving Trial in Florida
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| Credit: Pics Of You Photo: PVF Peace Of Mind and Stafford in the water Complex at Nature’s Coast Trial .Stafford has earned Individual Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, and a Team Bronze, at past World Pony Driving Championships. |
The sunny, warm climate has boded well for Stafford in her first competition on the 2013 season. Driving “PVF Peace Of Mind” a 6 year old Morgan mare owned by Stafford, the team brought home the Best overall dressage score of the competition, best cones that led them to the Overall Division Champion. “I love everything about this mare; she is clever, intelligent and loves the job. No doubt, a talented young horse” says Suzy.
Her second turn-out was just as successful driving J.P. a Hanoverian gelding owned by Diane Ameter was only to be defeated in dressage by Stafford mare by .2 of a point. “J.P. came to me for training and I am ecstatic with his rapid progress” says Stafford. The pair went onto a double clean cones, winning their division. “I am excited for Diane to take the reins at the next show and carry on a productive and successful season. J.P. truly wants to please and has a great work ethic. I am looking forward to watching the partnership grow between the two of them” says Stafford.
Feb 18, 2013, 01:54
Driving
Koos de Ronde (NED) shines in FEI World Cup™ Driving thriller in Leipzig
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| Koos de Ronde won the FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier in Leipzig and secured a starting ticket for the series’ Final (Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI) |
Koos de Ronde (NED) was the star of the ultimate FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier held in Leipzig (GER) this weekend. Today’s victory was De Ronde’s only chance to secure a ticket for the Final in Bordeaux (FRA). The suspense was on until the very last moment in the fully packed Leipziger Messe arena. De Ronde came out the winner, József Dobrovitz (HUN) finished second in this thrilling competition, ahead of Tomas Eriksson (SWE) in third.
Eight FEI World Cup™ drivers
FEI Official course designer Dr Wolfgang Asendorf (GER) had laid out a very horse-friendly course, which was well appreciated by all eight drivers. The organising committee had invited FEI World Cup™ drivers Christoph Sandmann (GER), Georg von Stein (GER) and IJsbrand Chardon (NED) to compete with wild cards, so eight out of the season’s ten FEI World Cup™ drivers were present in Leipzig. The only absentees were Boyd Exell (AUS), who is enjoying some time off in his home country, and Theo Timmerman (NED).
Exciting first round
The battle for the sixth starting place in the Final took place between Mechelen winner Koos de Ronde and József Dobrovitz. Dobrovitz drove the same four-in-hand team as in 2011 at this venue when he had also finished second. De Ronde had to perform better than Dobrovitz in order to make it to the Final which put him under significant pressure.
Jan 21, 2013, 11:39
Driving
Koos de Ronde picks up fourth FEI World Cup™ Driving win at Mechelen
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| Koos de Ronde won the FEI World Cup™ Driving competition in Mechelen (BEL) for the fourth time. (Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI) |
Dutch driver Koos de Ronde has a special bond with the FEI World Cup™Driving in Mechelen (BEL). He won the competition in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and he won it again this year after a truly exciting competition.
De Ronde's compatriot IJsbrand Chardon was actually well underway to secure his first-ever victory in the 12-year history of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Mechelen when fate struck and his carriage tipped over. Luckily, Chardon, his grooms and his four horses were all uninjured and the four-times World Champion ended the night in third. London-Olympia winner Boyd Exell (AUS) finished second behind Koos de Ronde, who was competing on a wild card.
The excitement grew when each of the eight competitors entered the fully packed Nekkerhal in Mechelen where Dutch O-course designer had laid out a good fast course. Rookie Glenn Geerts (BEL), who also competed with a wild card, set the time to beat in the first round and nearly made it to the Winning Round, much to the excitement of the Belgian driving fans. But Boyd Exell, IJsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde all beat Geerts’ very fast time to qualify for the Winning Round with very small time differences.
Jan 3, 2013, 12:13
Driving
Dine with Nine-Time USEF Four-in-Hand Champion Chester Weber and Nourish Sunshine Pony Club
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| Chester Weber and his wife, My Elisabeth will be hosting a table during the U.S. Pony Club’s First Annual Fund Raiser Winter Gala at BG Farms in Ocala, Florida. (Photo courtesy of Chester Weber) |
If the question, ‘Who would be your perfect dinner companion?’ sparks your imagination, don’t miss the Sunshine Region of the U.S. Pony Club’s First Annual Fund Raiser Winter Gala at BG Farms in Ocala, FL, giving members and guests an unbridled opportunity for “dinner with the stars” of the horse world. Nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, Chester Weber, is one of 30 FEI-level equestrians hosting tables at the event, including Olympic and Pan American Games medalists, Maclay finalists, and ‘A’ and ‘B’ Pony Clubbers. Tickets are still available for the dinner, December 29, from 6:30pm to 9:30 pm, at $100 each for the chance to break bread and enjoy conversations over a fine meal with veteran horsemen at http://sunshineregionponyclubs.org.
Weber and his wife, show jumper My Elisabeth, have long been dedicated to seeing more young people get involved in horses, lending their influence and expertise to the combined driving, show jumping, and dressage communities and charities. In 2012, they debuted FEI CSI** show jumping at Live Oak International, adding to the already prestigious program of the premier North American combined driving event, and were co-chairs for the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation Noche de Gala benefit for Shands Hospital for Children and the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation mission to create a state-of-the-art children’s hospital at the University of Florida.
Dec 31, 2012, 02:20
Driving
Boyd Exell gallops away with FEI World Cup™ Driving at London Olympia
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| Boyd Exell (AUS), competing at London Olympia on a wild card, flew to victory in the FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier (Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI) |
Boyd Exell was the man to beat at the inaugural edition of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in London Olympia (GBR), but the Australian had no intention of letting anyone past him. The four-time FEI World Cup™ champion galloped to victory in the sixth leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving, the Extreme Driving Class, at Olympia with a brilliant performance from his amazing team of horses. Theo Timmerman (NED) finished in the second place, just ahead of his fellow countryman Koos de Ronde.
Dutch O-course designer Johan Jacobs had laid out a nice but difficult enough course in the tight Olympia arena, including a bridge and two marathon type obstacles with five gates each. Jacobs had adjusted his course to the size of the arena, which resulted in a fluent, speedy and safe course, very much appreciated by the competitors. The Grand Hall at Olympia was packed with enthusiastic spectators who were treated to a spectacular show by the seven competitors.
Dec 31, 2012, 02:17
Driving
Boyd Exell (AUS) scores fantastic third victory of FEI World Cup™ Driving season
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| Boyd Exell (AUS) won the FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier in Geneva (SUI) ©Rinaldo de Craen/FEI. |
Boyd Exell (AUS) won the fifth leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving 2012/13 held in Geneva (SUI). Exell stayed far ahead of Tomas Eriksson (SWE) and home driver Werner Ulrich securing his third victory of the season. After five competitions the four-time FEI World Cup™ Driving champion is in second place on the series’ standings and is certain of a starting place in the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux (FRA) next February.
German international course designer Falk Böhnisch had laid out a fast and technical course in the beautiful arena in Geneva, the biggest one on the FEI World Cup™ Driving circuit. The water splash added a wonderful dimension to the course, which was appreciated by both the competitors and the enthusiastic Swiss spectators who had come in large numbers to the Palexpo arena.
A little nervous
Boyd Exell faced different opponents in Geneva compared to those in Budapest last weekend, only Theo Timmerman (NED) having made the trips to both the Hungarian capital and the Swiss city.
Dec 15, 2012, 00:34
Driving
Chester Weber Named to the 2013 USEF Driver Training Long List
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| Nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, Chester Weber, has the prestigious honor of being named to the recently announced 2013 USEF Driver Training Long List. (Photo courtesy of PicsofYou.com) |
Nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, Chester Weber, has the prestigious honor of being named to the recently announced 2013 USEF Driver Training Long List. Under USEF rules, only Long Listed driver/horse/pony combinations have the distinction of being eligible for USEF Training Programs and for consideration to compete abroad, after meeting specific criteria. Weber and his team have, once again, drove their way onto the list in the Four-In-Hand discipline. For the Four-In-Hand division, the Driver Training Long List is drawn up by the USEF on the basis of a driver/horse/pony combination achieving a total of 200 penalties or less in a national competition at the advanced level in the United States, a European CAI, or a national European competition (for which the Driving High Performance Committee has given approval). This qualifying score must have been achieved in any of the previous two calendar years, which indicates that those driver/horse/pony combinations are the strongest candidates for future teams.
Dec 14, 2012, 12:54
Driving
Werner Ulrich (SUI) starts off his FEI World Cup™ Driving season with a victory in Stockholm
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| Werner Ulrich (SUI) started off his FEI World Cup™ Driving 2012/13 season with a victory in Stockholm (SWE) ©Anna Aalto/FEI. |
Werner Ulrich (SUI) got off to a flying start in the FEI World Cup™ Driving 2012/13 season when he won the series’ fourth leg held in Stockholm (SWE) on Sunday 2 December evening. Runner-up Tomas Eriksson (SWE) made up for his two knockdowns in the first round with a great performance in the Winning Round. Georg von Stein (GER) finished in third place.
The atmosphere was electric in the Ericsson Globe Arena as thousands of enthusiastic spectators cheered the six four-in-hand drivers and especially the three home competitors. Swedish international course designer Dan Henriksson had designed a challenging course in the small arena which included many technical parts and fast lines.
In 2013, the Stockholm International Horse Show will be held in the Globe Arena for the last time. From 2014 onwards, the event will be known as the Sweden International Horse Show and will move to the Swedbank Arena in Solna, north of Stockholm.
Dec 13, 2012, 12:58
Driving
Chardon victorious over Exell in third FEI World Cup™ Driving leg in Budapest
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| IJsbrand Chardon (NED) won the FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier in Budapest (HUN) ©Rinaldo de Craen/FEI. |
The unexpected happened in Budapest (HUN) this afternoon as IJsbrand Chardon (NED) beat top favourite Boyd Exell (AUS) and won the third leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving 2012/13. Exell finished in third place behind Chardon’s fellow Dutch driver Theo Timmerman.
The competition that took place in the Hungarian capital’s Papp Lászlo Sport arena was of the highest quality and was held in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. Hungarian O-course designer Gábor Fintha had laid out a fast and technical course, which included the traditional spectacular fireworks coming on after the drivers had crossed the bridge.
Clear rounds
Despite the knockdowns in the previous FEI World Cup™ Driving events, today four-time world champion Chardon went clear in both rounds. He was competing in Budapest for the first time since 2007 when he had taken part in the World Cup test event driving the four-in-hand Lipizzaner horses borrowed from József Dobrovitz (HUN), which he would later buy. And exactly like five years ago, he was victorious over Exell.
Dec 13, 2012, 11:38
Driving
World Champion Driver Suzy Stafford comes home the Overall Advanced Champion at the Katydid Combined Driving Event
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| Suzy Stafford, a National and World Champion Combined Driver, securing the Championship with TTE Tea Time, 8 year old Morgan gelding owned by Wendy O’Brien of Trout Walk Farm Photo credit: Pics Of You |
Gold medalist Suzy Stafford and her new partner TTE Tea Time, owned by Wendy O’Brien of Trout Walk Farm bring home the Advanced Championship at the Katydid Combined Driving Event held in Windsor, SC. Suzy made history in 2005 when she won the first Individual Gold medal at the World Pony Championships for the United States. She has continued to medal at the World Championships in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2011 winning the Individual Silver for the United States.
Suzy has high hopes for her new equine partner “Trae” an 8 year old Morgan Gelding owned by Wendy O’Brien. Stafford was thrilled with her performance at the Advanced level after a stellar performance in all three phases of the tough competition. “This was his first showing at the advanced level. Even though I was a bit hesitant to move him up I thought he needed the exposure. Boy was I wrong, he was cool calm and competitive and proved to me that he has what it takes for the FEI stage. I was ecstatic with his performance!” Says Suzy, smiling from ear to ear. “Trae” is a natural competitor, he knows when to “turn it on” and that is something you cannot train. They have to be born with it.” Stafford says. “Trae” was found by Stafford in Wisconsin and purchased for her by Wendy Obrien of Trout Walk Farm at the end of March of this year. Wendy and Suzy have the same goal for “Trae” and both have their sights set on the 2013 World Pony Championships in Poe, France. Suzy is known around the globe for her talent for developing equines for the International stage. In her relatively short driving career Stafford has been long listed with the United States Equestrian Federation with eight different equines. We can now add another equine to that list. “Striving for success is simple when my owners and sponsors believe wholeheartedly in my judgment, skill and training program.” Stafford says. Stafford operates her Stafford Carriage Driving facility out of Chester County in Pennsylvania from April to December and is stationed in Aiken, South Carolina from January through March.
Nov 13, 2012, 11:02
Driving
Chester Weber and Team Show How It’s Done Winning Advanced Horse Team at the Kentucky Classic
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| Nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, Chester Weber, was happy to be back at the Kentucky Horse Park where he drove his team to victory in the Advanced Horse Team at the Kentucky Classic. (Photo courtesy of PhotoReflect.com/Tony Dantonio) = |
Nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, Chester Weber, was happy to be back at the Kentucky Horse Park where he drove his team to victory in the Advanced Horse Team at the Kentucky Classic. Weber showed how it’s done by winning with a score of 148.57 and beating out Darryl Billing of Ontario.
“It was my first time back on that course since the World Equestrian Games,” Weber said. “The beauty of Kentucky in October was great as was the excellent course and the construction of the marathon is great. I was again pleased with Boris and Ringo,” Weber continued, “as the intention of this trip was to develop them while supporting the sport on a national level.” Weber says that the horses have improved greatly and their progress in the marathon training was remarkable, as evidenced by this win.
Weber has recently become known as “Mr. Dressage” after turning in one successful dressage test after another throughout the season. He attributes this success to having quality horses and a continued focus on training of the fundamentals. “Without a doubt, our team is about synergy and the people behind the scenes make our magic work,” he adds. Weber and his team are done competing for the year, which will give his horses some well-deserved rest and relaxation. “Our next competition will be at Little Everglades in Dade City next February,” Weber explains. “And, I am off to Europe again at the end of this month to scout out some talented horses to add to our depth.”
Nov 7, 2012, 23:18
Driving
Attention Drivers! Visit Vita Flex Nutrition’s Website Before November 1st - Drivers Have Unique Opportunity for Photo Critique by Champion Chester Weber
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| International combined driver and Vita Flex Victory Team member Chester Weber will be the photo clinician to evaluate submitted driving photos. Visit www.facebook.com/VitaFlex to submit a photo and learn more about the photo clinic. (Photo courtesy of PicsofYou.com) |
Vita Flex Nutrition is continuing their dedication to the equestrian community by offering drivers from around the country a unique way to ensure their horses are the picture of health and driving to success. The Vita Flex Victory Team Photo Clinic is an opportunity for drivers to upload their photos for the chance at being selected to be evaluated and critiqued by nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, Chester Weber. Vita Flex hosts the Victory Team Photo Clinic on their Facebook page, and now through November 1st, Weber will be the Vita Flex Victory Team member photo clinician.
“This is a great opportunity for our fans to have a chance to receive top level instruction,” said Tanner Clark, Brand Manager for Vita Flex Nutrition. “Our Victory Team members are among the best in the world; many have Olympic and World Championship experience and have been competing at the highest level in their sport. Everyone can learn from constructive criticism and we hope that Vita Flex’s fans really take advantage of this great opportunity.”
Oct 22, 2012, 14:57
Driving
Christoph Dieker is the new FEI World Single Driving Champion
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| Double gold for Germany, double silver for Switzerland and double bronze for the Netherlands at the FEI World Single Driving Championships at Companhia das Lezirias, Portugal. ©Rinaldo de Craen/FEI. |
Christoph Dieker (GER) has won the FEI World Single Driving Championships at Companhia das Lezirias, Portugal. Dieker came second in the dressage, stayed on silver after the marathon and only had one fault in the final obstacle driving competition. Bartolomiej Kwiatek (POL) was on gold before the cones, but sadly made too many faults and not only gave away individual gold, but also team bronze. Michael Barbey (SUI) won the silver individual medal; the bronze medal went to Wilbrord van den Broek (NED). The German team successfully defended their gold medal. The team silver was won by Switzerland and the bronze team medal was awarded to the Netherlands.
The wonderful site of Companhia das Lezirias has been hosting national driving competitions since 2000 and the Portuguese organizers were very proud to welcome 73 competitors from 20 nations at the very comfortable and well laid out competition site. Despite the hot weather conditions, the temperature on marathon day even raised to 40° Celsius, the competitions were run according to plan and all necessary precautions were taken to ensure the welfare of the participating horses. The competitors and spectators were treated to eight wonderful obstacles, designed by O-course designer Richard Nicoll (USA), who was amongst others also responsible for the courses at the first World Single Championships in Ebbs 1998 and in Astorp 2004. Nicoll received many compliments from the drivers for his challenging, but fair design.
Sep 24, 2012, 10:35
Driving
Sterling Graburn Captures USEF National Single Horse Championship
Kentucky-based equestrian Sterling Graburn went wire-to-wire this weekend at the Southern Pines Combined Driving Event to claim his second USEF National Single Horse Championship title.
The National Championship ran concurrently with the Southern Pines CDE, which was held at the Carolina Horse Park April 13-15.
On Friday Graburn, driving the Larry Denny-owned Ulano, took the lead during the dressage phase of the championship CDE and continued to dominate the competition over the marathon and cones courses, which were contested over the remainder of the weekend. Graburn finished first overall with a final score 119.76, besting the second place finisher by more than 10 points.
Apr 25, 2012, 16:52
Driving
Combined Driver Chester Weber Named To Florida Horse Park Foundation Board Of Directors
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| Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time United States National Four-In-Hand Champion, has been named to the Board of Directors at the Florida Horse Park Foundation, located in Ocala, Florida. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber) |
Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time United States National Four-In-Hand Champion, has been named to the Board of Directors at the Florida Horse Park Foundation, located in Ocala, Florida. Weber, a favorite son of his hometown of Ocala, is one of America’s most decorated Combined Drivers as well as a strong supporter of the equestrian community.
Weber’s extensive resume continues to grow each year, and Weber and his award-winning team of horses kicked off 2012 by driving into the winner’s circle at the Sunshine State CDE, which took place at the Florida Horse Park. He followed Sunshine State with a victory at the 2012 Little Everglades CDE, taking the FEI Four-in-Hand Division with a spectacular dressage test. Weber also had a great deal to celebrate in 2011 as the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) named him a 2011 Equestrian of Honor and he was also the recipient of the Becky Grand Hart Trophy. He was named the 2011 Driving Horseman of the Year in The Chronicle of the Horse Magazine’s annual American Horses In Sport issue. Weber’s successful 2011 included a European tour that kept him in the winner’s circle, with wins at CAIO Veces, CAI Altenfelden and CAIO Riesenbeck. “We had our best results ever at Aachen, it was truly a memorable summer,” Weber said.
Mar 26, 2012, 13:52
Driving
KENTUCKY TEAM CLOSES IN ON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sterling Graburn and Ulano Still No.1 in Single Horse
Team Sterling took a giant step forward on the road to the Combined Driving Single Horse World Championships at the Little Everglades International Combined Driving Event in Dade City, Fla.
The first USEF Selection Trial was held Feb. 23, with Team Sterling placing third overall.
Sterling Graburn drove away with first place in the dressage test with a score of 40.1, and took third in the marathon phase, which was enough to keep him at the top of the field. But a tough and technical cones course promised to be a game changer and it was. There was only one double clear in the FEI division, dropping Graburn and his equine partner Ulano, owned by Larry Denny, to third.
"Our dressage and marathon phases at Little Everglades were great," said Graburn, "and I have a good feel for how to go forward with cones at our next trial."
The 2012 Single Horse World Championships will be held at Lezirias, Portugal Sept. 12-16. Graburn and Ulano are the only Kentucky horse and driver in the running and look to be in a good position for final placings on the U.S. team.
Mar 23, 2012, 10:48
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